Page 55 of A Perfect Pairing
“That little tap didn’t hurt you. I’m lucky I didn’t break my hand on those big mus—”
“Don’t stop now. Go ahead and finish.” Antonio flexed his biceps. “I should’ve known you only wanted me for my body.”
“I’m not talking to you. I am getting out and going to get my sandwich.” Yeah, she wanted him for his body, his mind, his heart. And she wanted him because of the way he made her feel. Because she loved him.
“Why are you so nervous?” Antonio asked Natasha as they arrived at his parents’ house on Sunday afternoon. He parked in the driveway behind his brother’s SUV. “It’s not like you don’t know them, and you talked to my mom at the party.”
“I know, but this is different. There were a hundred people at the party, and she couldn’t focus on me. Today I’ll be sitting at the table right in front of her. And she knows that I was the one who messed up our relationship.”
He covered her hand with his. “Baby, my parents don’t blame you for that. Trust me when I tell you my mother is happy we’re back together. And you know Grandma is with all her matchmaking.” His entire family understood that everyone made mistakes when they were young and didn’t hold the past against her.
Natasha flopped back against her seat. “I guess. But what about your brother?”
“Actually, Nate is firmly in your corner.” And the first one who recognized Antonio still had feelings for her. “We’d better go in before my mother comes out. She’s peeked out the window twice.”
“Oh my goodness. Why didn’t you say something?” Natasha reached for the door handle.
Laughing, Antonio said, “Let go of the handle. I’ve got it.”
She glared at him as he helped her out of the car. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me your mother was waiting for us.”
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Relax, baby.” The front door opened before their feet hit the steps.
His mother stepped out with her arms wide. “Natasha. I’m so glad you could join us today.”
“Told you,” Antonio whispered. Natasha gave him a look, then smiled at his mother. He chuckled inwardly.
“Thank you so much for inviting me, Mrs. Hayes. These are for your table.” The two women embraced. Natasha handed his mother a bouquet of flowers in a square crystal vase.
“Oh, honey, you didn’t have to bring anything, but these are gorgeous and will fit perfectly. Hi, son.”
He bent and kissed her cheek. “Hey, Mom. Glad you remembered I was standing here.”
“Hush, boy, and come on in here. Dinner is ready. We’re just waiting for your grandmother.”
Antonio urged Natasha forward and watched as the family surrounded her, showered her with hugs, and expressed how happy they were that she and Antonio were together.
Noelle sprinted over and wrapped her arms around his legs. “Hi, Uncle Tony.” She raised her arms for him to pick her up.
He swung her around, then planted a kiss on her cheek. “Natasha, this is my beautiful, energetic niece, Noelle. Noelle, say hello to Ms. Baldwin.”
Natasha reached up to shake Noelle’s hand. “Hi, Noelle. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Hi. Are you going to be my auntie?” Noelle asked with a big grin. “My mommy said—”
April rushed over and plucked Noelle out of Antonio’s arms with a nervous chuckle. “Natasha, you’ll have to forgive my daughter.”
“She’s a lot like her mother,” Nate said.
She whispered something to Noelle that made the little girl cover her mouth and say, “Oops.”
Antonio and Natasha shared a look, and she tried to hide her smile. He shook his head and draped his arm around her shoulders. “Come on, baby.” As they gathered around the table, his grandmother entered from the side door that connected her cottage to the house.
“Mama Nora.” Natasha hurried over and hugged her.
“Here’s my girl,” Grandma Nora said. “It’s about time Antonio brought you over.”
Nate moved closer to Antonio and said quietly, “Looks like everybody’s happy about the two of you. I hate to say it, but I told you so.”
